The Age of a Skeleton Can Be Determined from ________

Question

The age of a skeleton can be determined from ________.
A) the number of carpals and tarsals
B) the number of ribs present
C) the degree of ossification of cranial sutures
D) the presence of irregular bones
E) None of the answers are correct.

Accepted Answer

The degree of ossification of cranial sutures can be used to determine the age of a skeleton. As a person ages, the bones of the skull fuse together gradually, and by examining the degree of suture closure, an estimate of the person's age at death can be made. The number of carpals and tarsals or ribs present, and the presence of irregular bones may provide information about the person's overall skeletal structure, but does not help determine age.